A River Kayaking Level 1 group class.

Owner Matt orients two new kayak students.

River Kayaking: Level 1

Whitewater kayaking for first timers as well as seasoned veterans is an exhilarating sport. Learn to kayak from Kokopelli River Guides the first time, the right way! Kokopelli’s Level I: Beginning Kayaking class launches the series of the American Canoe Association’s whitewater kayaking curriculum, and should be the first step in every aspiring whitewater kayaker's paddling career.

• Whitewater Kayaking classes for beginners
• No experience needed
• Small class sizes (4:1 student to instructor ratio)
• Safety is our number one priority
• Affordable way to get in to whitewater kayaking
• American Canoe Association certified instructors

See calendar for current class schedule.

Whitewater Kayaking Orientation Day

We begin the first day of the Level I class with instruction at Emigrant Lake, a five minute drive from Ashland, Oregon. We start with an introduction to the kayak and its parts, then move on to the "wet exit" (how to exit the kayak successfully when it is upside down), basic whitewater kayaking paddle stroke techniques, bracing, and steering the kayak. Time will also be spent upside down in your kayak as you try to master the Eskimo Roll. Our American Canoe Association certified instructors will teach the latest rolling technique and have a big bag of tricks to help you roll quickly and confidently. These techniques will prepare you for the next day of class when you venture onto the Klamath River in Northern California.

River Kayaking Session

The second day of class is spent on the Klamath River in Northern California, a short and scenic drive from Ashland. Our instructors will make sure you aware of river safety and what will be accomplished on the river. Great attention is paid on how to maneuver a whitewater kayak in and out of eddies successfully, ferry across slow moving water, and progress to swifter currents while we run Class 1 and 2 rapids

At the end of the two days in a whitewater kayak you will feel confident in basic paddle strokes, running class 1-2 rapids, and rolling basics.

The Next Level

Interested in continuing to the next step in whitewater kayaking? Consider taking Level I in conjunction with River Kayaking Level II. These classes may be taken consecutively or separately.

Whitewater Kayaking Immersion

If you want to learn all the whitewater kayaking basics in a 4 day class and really get that roll down, check out our Whitewater Kayaking Immersion course. We also offer 5 day Whitewater Immersion Campout classes on the Lower Klamath River. Sleep under the stars and immerse yourself in whitewater kayaking.

RIVER KAYAKING: LEVEL 1

• LEVEL I: Beginning Whitewater Kayaking
• Class Length: 2 days
• Cost: $199.00
• Our kayak classes are small and fill quickly so sign up early. (4:1 student to instructor ratio)

Out of our control: A 5% BLM/USFS river usage fee will be added to the cost of all kayak lessons.

If Level I & Level II classes are reserved together, participants will receive a 10% discount off the Level II class.

Kayak with friends!

Groups of four or more receive a 10% discount off any Level I, Level II, or Whitewater Kayaking Immersion course.

River trips are not without inherent risks. Kokopelli River Guides cannot assume responsibility for injury to raft / kayak / rental participants or loss of personal property. You will be required to sign a waiver and release prior to your trip.